Sous Chef

Airport Retail Enterprises (UK) Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully subsidised on-site airport park

Free meals while on duty at the site

Tronc (tips and gratuities distributed

28 days annual leave (increasing to 32

NEST pension

Wagestream (flexible pay access)

Health & wellbeing cash plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff referral bonus scheme

Job summary

Airport Retail Enterprises (UK) Limited is seeking a committed Sous Chef at Manchester Airport to lead the kitchen team across multiple outlets, overseeing stock, prep, and compliance with hygiene standards. You will work with the Senior Head Chef to maintain high service levels and drive profitability.

The role is based on site at Manchester Airport with shifts that may start early or finish late, supporting a busy, multi-brand operation in a high-volume environment.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong kitchen management and staff development capabilities.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene and HACCP principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the kitchen, including stock control and food preparation.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, health and safety, and allergen protocols.
• Collaborate with front of house to deliver exceptional dishes and operate efficiently.
• Drive sales and operational efficiency in line with company policies.
• Keep senior management informed of significant issues during shifts.

Skills

Leadership experience

Kitchen management

Food hygiene

Job description

Overview

We are a family-run UK business operating food and beverage outlets at airports, creating exceptional experiences for all our customers. We believe airport customers deserve better - we ARE here to delight

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic individual to join our team as Sous Chef at Manchester Airport, leading our outlets to deliver exceptional food and outstanding customer service with a highly trained and motivated team.

As Sous Chef, you will play a vital role in supporting the Senior Head Chef & Senior Sous Chef’s, overseeing the kitchen’s day-to-day performance while maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and efficiency.

The Great Northern Market concept at Manchester Airport, includes managing a kitchen brigade with six kitchens, offering a diverse range of cuisines such as fried chicken, smashed burgers, burritos, hand stretched pizza, Asian, Greek, and a breakfast menu. The venue has approximately 470 covers and operates from 3am to 10pm.

This is an hourly paid role, and shifts may include early morning starts (e.g., 2 a.m.) or late finishes (e.g., the last flight), with no requirement for split or double shifts.

If you're passionate about hospitality, enjoy managing teams, and want to make a significant impact, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

As part of the management team, you’ll be responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchen, including stock control, food preparation, and ensuring compliance with hygiene, health and safety, and allergen protocols. You’ll work collaboratively with the front of house team to deliver exceptional dishes for every guest and ensure the kitchen operates efficiently and profitably.

Supporting the senior management, you’ll ensure our consistently high service levels are maintained in line with company policies, driving sales and operational efficiency.

Main Duties

• Ensure the department meets revenue and profit targets.
• Oversee, coach, and guide the team to continuously improve service while adhering to health and safety, food hygiene, food allergens and company specifications/policies
• Motivate the team through positive communication to deliver excellent quality food in a timely fashion.
• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of colleagues at all times.
• Keep senior management informed of any significant issues arising during shifts.
• Ensure confidentiality and act in accordance with data protection requirements when handling personal data.

Requirements

We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated, and enthusiastic individual who is flexible with shift patterns and a passion for delivering an outstanding dining experience. Leadership experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment is essential.

To Excel In This Role, You’ll Have

• Level 2 Food hygiene certificate (desirable but not essential).
• Significant proven management experience in a kitchen environment, including staff training and development.
• Familiarity with airport-based hospitality (preferred but not essential).
• Demonstrable experience of delivering excellent food preparation services.
• Experience in delivering agreed menus to brand standards.
• Experience with procurement of stock through specified suppliers as needed
• Proven track record of implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Good level of written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong communicator with a clear and supportive leadership style.
• Financially aware, with sound budget controls and effective stock management.
• Strong leadership skills, capable of motivating a team in a busy kitchen environment.
• Performance management skills to maximise individual potential through coaching.
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety requirements in a kitchen, including HACCP, COSHH, food allergens, equipment maintenance, and safety practices.

Personal Qualities

We’re Looking For Someone Who Is

• Resilient and able to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Results-oriented and motivated by achieving stretching objectives.
• Calm and approachable under pressure.
• Passionate about food

Our values, Growth, Respect, Innovation, Togetherness (GRIT) are reflected in the behaviours we demand. ARE you;

• Curious, passionate and resilient
• Responsible, hard-working and keen to help others
• Willing to show up, be positive and have FUN!

Perks & Benefits

• Fully subsidised on-site airport parking
• Free meals while on duty at the site, from the 'Staff Duty Meal' options
• Tronc (tips and gratuities distribution system) via an elected troncmaster
• 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 32 days
• NEST pension
• Wagestream (flexible pay access)
• Health & wellbeing cash plan, also offering discounts and perks across hundreds of retailers
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and well-being support from day one
• Staff referral bonus scheme

Please Note

• Provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
• Hold an Airport Security ID Pass, which we will assist with. The application process requires the production of a valid passport, a criminal record check, and five years of personal and employment references.

Equal Opportunities

At ARE Ltd, we recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a truly remarkable experience for all our customers. Our commitment extends beyond retail to building a workforce that reflects the wide array of perspectives and experiences found across the UK. We believe that embracing diversity in our teams enables us to provide exceptional service and innovation.

We are dedicated to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, with a strong commitment to promoting equity in both physical and mental health for everyone. To achieve this, we encourage applications from individuals of disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ community members, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and those with lived experiences of discrimination.

Accessibility and Adjustments

ARE Ltd is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We strive to be as accommodating as possible to ensure all candidates can participate fully. If you have specific requirements or need adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. In your application, feel free to indicate your preferred pronouns (for example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc.) to help us better address and respect your identity throughout the process.